Kalkaji Mandir Delhi Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

Kalkaji Mandir Delhi is an ancient temple. It is a mark of dedication to Maa Kalka, an avatar of Goddess Durga. It is located in Kalkaji, a locality in the southern part of the Heart of India, that is Delhi. Consequently, the locality gets its name on the name of the famous goddess.

Kalkaji Mandir also goes by the names “Jayanti Peetha” or “Manokamana Sidha Peetha”. The place gets these names due to the popular belief of desire fulfilment of the visitors here. Moreover, the temple is predicted to be here since the time of Satya Yuga.

All you need to know about Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

Temple Timings	4:00 am – 11:30 pm Closed between- 11:30 am – 12 pm (For Bhog purposes) 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (For cleaning purposes)
Opening and Closing Dates	Open 365 days in a year
Time required for Darshan	1 hour
Entry Free	No fee
Festivals 2019	Vasant Navratri Maha Navratri
Best time to visit	Maha Navratri (September – October)
Nearest Airport	IGI Airport
Location	Kalkaji, South Delhi

What are the timings of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi?

Timings	From
Open	4:00 am
Close	11:30 pm

Poojas and Rituals at Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

• Each day starts giving a milk bath to the Goddess’s idol followed by the Aarti. However, the Aarti is performed twice in the day, once in the morning and the other in the evening.
• The evening Aarti performed is also known as the Tantric Aarti.
• The Aarti timings, however, are subjected to change depending on winters and summers. Also, pujaris perform Aarti according to their turns.

All the Pooja timings are given in the table below.

Time of the year	Morning	Evening
Summers	5:00 am – 6:30 am (Aarti)	7:00 pm – 8:30 pm (Aarti)
Winters	6:00 am – 7:30 am (Aarti)	6:30 pm – 8:00 pm (Aarti)
Temple is closed in between	11:30 am – 12:00 pm (For Bhog to the goddess)	3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (For cleaning of the temple premises)

Significance of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

• People flood in the temple to offer prayers and make offerings to the Goddess Kalka here. The Goddess Kalka is the symbol of strength. Also, the temple is always full of devotees. However, during Navratris, there is no place to step in.
• The temple is so ancient that it is believed that it has seen all the 4 yugas namely, Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapar Yuga, and Kalyuga.
• The temple also has a significant history to look upon. Nevertheless, the goddess is well known for fulfilling the desires and wishes of her devotees.

History of Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

The temple has a historical existence of about 3000 years. It was constructed in 1764. However, there has been a lot of stories around it, some of which are-

• One of the theory claims the establishment of the temple during the reign of Marathas (1764-1771). So, during this time, Shah Alam, the Mughal emperor had power from Delhi to Palam. Yet wasn’t as effective as a ruler. Hence, during that time, the Marathas successfully returned all the Hindu temples including Kalkaji back to their glory in Delhi.

• However, in the mid 19th century the temple went through some changes. These were made possible by Raja Kadarnath who was Emperor Akbar II’s treasurer. Although the devotees then made huge contributions for the betterment of the present-day structure. Moreover, in the 20th century, some more advancement was done to the temple.

Legends of the Kalkaji Mandir Delhi

Legend of Goddess Kali

The first story dates back to the time of Satya Yuga. During the time, the gods who lived here were troubled by the demons. Hence, after taking much trouble the gods went to Lord Brahma for a solution. Since Brahmaji did not want to get dragged into the matter so he referred it to Goddess Parvati.

So it was Goddess Parvati who incarnated as Goddess Kaushki to slaughter the demon. While she conquered all, yet the demon Raktabij had the gift of rising back from its own blood.

That’s when Goddess Kali was born from Kaushki’s eyebrows. Goddess Kali drank the whole of the blood that came out during the slaughter. And that’s how Goddess Kali won against Raktabij. Hence, she also settled here as a protector since then.

Legend of a Defeated King

Another story tracks down a defeated King. He had lost numerous battles to an unknown invader, there was this one time after losing he rested in the place. And that’s when Goddess Kali came in his dream and motivated him to fight back again.

Being encouraged by the Goddess, he gave a tough fight back and won over. Yet even after restoring his reign, he did not forget about the Goddess. And constructed this temple as a dedication to the Goddess Kali.

What is inside the temple?

• Pyramidal towers encircle the temple. Apart from the usual construction with bricks and cement, marbles have also been added to the temple. The Central Chamber has 12 sides. Also, 36 arched openings are there in the temple.
• A doorway on each side is covered by a verandah. The verandah is 8’9” wide and consists of 36 arched openings. However, the Central Chamber encloses the verandah on all sides.
• The two red Sandstone Tigers on a marble pedestal stand opposite the eastern doorway. The subscription article in Urdu. Between the tigers sits the idol of Kalka Devi with the name inscribed on it in Hindi.
• There is a long line of stalls right outside the temple. These offer a variety of Prasad Packages to the devotees. There is the availability of all from smaller ones to the exclusive Thalis ( offering plate).
• Due to the heavy crowd, the pickpocketers are a usual thing in the temple premises. Nevertheless, a vigilant visitor is always safe here.

Festivals celebrated at Kalkaji Mandir

• Vasanta Navratri– This is an Autumn festival, hence, it is called Vasant Navratri. It usually falls in the month of April however, subject to change as per the Hindu Calendar. Coinciding with Ram Navmi that falls on the same month, it is also called Ram Navratri or Chaitra Navratri.
• Maha Navratri– Maha Navratri is celebrated with equal enthusiasm by all the Indian states. It usually falls in October depending upon the Hindu Calendar. A huge crowd flocks to the temple on this festival. Moreover, during the festival devotees make huge offerings including the ones in the form of Gold.

Almost every Hindu Festival calls for a celebration in the Kalkaji Temple. However, both the Navratris have there own special places. A lot of enthusiasm is there during Navratri celebrations.

How to reach Kalkaji Mandir Delhi?

• By Air– The Indira Gandhi Airport, New Delhi is at a distance of 15 km from the Kalkaji Temple and is the only one here too.
• By Rail– H Nizamuddin Railway Station is 4 km away from the Temple. Hence, the temple is the nearest to this one.
• By Road– The city is well connected by Bus routes. Delhi Transportation Corporation owned buses run through the city. Buses also provide connectivity with the whole country via many National highways. The bus can drop you either at Rajiv Chowk in Delhi or at the Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station.
• By Metro– Delhi also has a well equipped Metro Rail that connects almost all major parts of the state. Hence, you can travel from anywhere to the nearest station i.e. Kalkaji Metro Station to reach the temples.

Where to stay nearby?

The Temple Trust has done the construction of Dharamshalas for the devotees visiting from far off places. These Dharamshalas are free and hygienic too. Kalkaji Mandir also provides food facility.

However, there are many good hotels near the temple too.

• Hotel Mint Oodles– The stay is a real treat for its guests. All the hotel rooms are stalked with modern amenities. It is also budget-friendly and near to the temple.
• Hotel Orion Plaza– The hotel is a well-equipped one with all luxurious amenities. The hotel staff is very efficient. Also, the hotel is quite close to the temple.

Where to eat?

Delhi is home to a variety of cuisines and mouth-watering street foods. However, one can enjoy the one-time free prasad provided in the temple. The devotees can also take delight in the tasty food served here.

Other than that they have more than a hundred street food options to choose from. The Khao Gali in Lajpat Nagar is an escape for the food lovers. Also, Dolma Aunty Momos are the oldest and tastiest street food ‘Momos’ available.

Also, a variety of food chains crowd the area. One can subside to eating healthy salad at Subway to burgers in MacDonald’s.

Nearby Temples

• Shiv Kalkaji Temple- As per the predictions, the temple is the oldest Seedhpeeth in South Delhi. The devotees arrive here to offer prayers and seek blessings of the deity.
• Lotus Temple– Lotus temple is close to Kalkaji Mandir Metro Station. It is located right next to Kalkaji Park. The entrance to the temple is via a parking lot. The serenity and peace one can seek here is the prime attraction of the visitors.
• Iskcon Temple– This is one of the ancient and known temples of Lord Krishna in India. Iskon temple is close to Nehru Place Metro Station. Iskcon stands for International Society for Krishna Consciousness or Hare Krishna Movement.

Apart from these, there are other attractions to the city like Jantar Mantar, India Gate, etc. Delhi extends its land to dozens of historical places and so is the Heart of India.

Frequently asked questions about Kalkaji Temple Delhi